Fall 2011 Runway Trend: Forties-Inspired Florals

Give last seasons' jeans and tees a rest, and freshen up your back-to-school style with swishy circle skirts and and tea-length dresses inspired by Christian Dior's legendary New Look collection. Designers like Prada, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton are embracing old-school ladylike looks in a modern-day way with retro floral patterns, vibrant vintage motifs, and sophisticated waist-cinching silhouettes.

Incorporate flirty '40s-inspired charm into your existing wardrobe with a high-waisted pencil skirt, paired with a basic button-up or classic tee, or a full-skirted shirtdress, cinched at the waist with a skinny belt and worn with simple ballet flats. Let these statement pieces speak for themselves and stick with a select accessories and minimal baubles. Reach for a pair of vintage sunglasses or platform heels, and nix chunky jewelry in favor of sweet rhinestone button earrings. Best of all, this trend can be achieved by borrowing from Grandma or digging around thrift stores. So give those mini skirts a break, and embrace ladylike looks come fall.

Give last seasons' jeans and tees a rest, and freshen up your back-to-school style with swishy circle skirts and and tea-length dresses inspired by Christian Dior's legendary New Look collection. Designers like Prada, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton are embracing old-school ladylike looks in a modern-day way with retro floral patterns, vibrant vintage motifs, and sophisticated waist-cinching silhouettes.

Incorporate flirty '40s-inspired charm into your existing wardrobe with a high-waisted pencil skirt, paired with a basic button-up or classic tee, or a full-skirted shirtdress, cinched at the waist with a skinny belt and worn with simple ballet flats. Let these statement pieces speak for themselves and stick with a select accessories and minimal baubles. Reach for a pair of vintage sunglasses or platform heels, and nix chunky jewelry in favor of sweet rhinestone button earrings. Best of all, this trend can be achieved by borrowing from Grandma or digging around thrift stores. So give those mini skirts a break, and embrace ladylike looks come fall.